Vehicle Fire While Parked in a Garage
BMW 2019 Case Study – Girne (Kyrenia)
Vehicle fires are rare.
But when they happen, the difference between confusion and resolution is how the claim is managed from the first minute.
This is not a hypothetical example.
This article is a real case study based on an actual vehicle fire that occurred in Girne between 12 and 23 December 2025.
Case Summary
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Vehicle: BMW – 2019 Model
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Usage: Private, personal use
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Location: Girne (Kyrenia)
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Date of incident: 12 December 2025
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Time noticed: Around 10:00 PM, while the client was watching television
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Incident type: Vehicle fire while parked in a garage
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Damage type: Fire originating from the engine compartment
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Outcome: Total loss (write-off / pert)
The vehicle was not running.
There was no driving, movement, or traffic accident involved.
Critical Clarification: This Was NOT a Traffic Accident
This incident involved:
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No collision
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No rollover
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No road usage
Therefore:
This distinction is essential for correct claim handling.
Probable Cause of the Fire
According to the independent insurance adjuster’s report and the fire brigade report:
These findings confirmed that the loss was insurable.
Claim Timeline (Chronological)
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12 December 2025 – 10:00 PM:
The client noticed flames coming from the garage while watching television.
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12 December 2025:
The vehicle was towed directly to an approved service garage.
No intervention or manipulation was carried out.
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17 December 2025:
Damage assessment was completed.
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19 December 2025:
The independent insurance adjuster finalized and submitted the report.
On the same day, the fire brigade report was received, officially confirming the cause.
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23 December 2025:
Compensation was paid to the client.
Total Loss Decision and Compensation
The expert assessment concluded that:
As a result, the vehicle was declared a total loss (pert).
Payment Speed
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Total time from incident to payment: 11 days
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Payment date: 23 December 2025
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Compensation paid in full
This speed was not due to special treatment or exceptions.
It was the result of correct documentation, proper claim handling, and transparent communication.
Why the Process Worked Smoothly
Key mistakes were avoided:
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The vehicle was not started
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It was not moved without authorization
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The cause was declared accurately
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Official reports were obtained on time
These steps significantly reduce disputes and delays in fire claims.
The Natural Outcome
After the claim was settled smoothly and transparently:
The client chose Can Sigorta again for the comprehensive insurance of their new vehicle.
This was not the result of a promotion or sales pressure.
It was a consequence of trust built during the claim process.
Five Key Notes from the Claims Director
(Based on 25 Years of Experience)
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A vehicle fire is not a traffic accident
Fire claims depend on comprehensive insurance, not motor liability cover.
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First actions determine the fate of the claim
Do not start or interfere with the vehicle after a fire.
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Independent adjuster and fire brigade reports are essential
One without the other leaves the file incomplete.
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Total loss decisions are mathematical, not emotional
Market value versus repair cost is what matters.
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Fast payment is never coincidence
It comes from structure, discipline, and correct claim management.
About the Author
This case study was prepared by Sevil Açıkel,
Claims Department Manager at Can Sigorta.
Sevil Açıkel has 25 years of experience in insurance claims management,
having personally handled hundreds of real cases including vehicle fires, total losses, and complex casco claims.
This article reflects field experience, not theory.
Editorial Note
All information in this article is based on:
No fictional scenarios or generalizations are used.
Final Word
Insurance is not truly understood when you buy a policy.
It is understood when something goes wrong.
This case proves that with the right coverage and proper claim management,
even severe losses can be resolved quickly, fairly, and without dispute.